Shozeb Haider
Completion date: 2003
Division: Structural Biology
Shozeb graduated from the ICR in 2003 and is now a Research Fellow at the London School of Pharmacy. In 2005, Shozeb’s research earned him one of only 20 invitations to the Roche symposium for 'Leading Bioscientists of the Next Decade'.
Whilst studying Biochemistry at Aligarh Muslim University (India), Shozeb became increasingly interested in the field of structural biology. Shozeb followed his interest by coming to the UK in 1996 and gaining an MRes in Bioinformatics from the University of Leeds.
"Following my MRes, applying for a PhD seemed a natural progression for me. I was attracted to the ICR by its reputation for world-class research and its interdisciplinary environment. The ICR was the only place at that time which offered the expertise and cutting-edge integrated facilities required to combine my two passions of molecular modelling and crystallography."
Shozeb’s PhD work at the ICR involved innovative research into modelling quadruplex DNA. This form of DNA is present in 85% of all cancers and as such is an excellent potential drug target. The work of Shozeb and his medicinal chemistry colleagues led to the structure-based design and synthesis of a potential anti-cancer drug.
"Being part of the work at the ICR was very motivating especially as my supervisor was supportive and very knowledgeable. The unique range of research skills I developed during my PhD has been invaluable in opening up my career opportunities."
After finishing his PhD, Shozeb went on to become a Postdoctoral Research Associate at the University of Oxford for two years. In 2006, he returned to work with his former PhD supervisor, Professor Stephen Neidle, this time at The London School of Pharmacy. Shozeb is continuing his research into the structure of quadruplex DNA and designing potential anti-cancer drugs. Compounds designed by Shozeb and his colleagues have been licensed to industrial partners who aim to develop them for use in the clinic.
In addition to conducting research, Shozeb enjoys teaching structural biology to graduate students at The London School of Pharmacy.
